Chapter 9: Chapter 9

"Madi..." Emily mumbled as her gaze flew to Madison, who had just returned from serving their Sir Sven, and instead of the proud smile Madison would have flashed in front of them, Madison's eyes were misted with tears, and her voice produced suppressed sobs.

Their Young Master's Gathering ended earlier than they expected. Emily noticed Sven screaming and searching for Dylan in outrage, but some friends were blocking him from doing so. Mila appeared as the door opened; her gaze was solemn.

"Madison, tell us, what happened?" Mila queried as her fingers traced and knotted Madison's hair. I was serving the blond man when he grabbed my hand...When the Young M-Master noticed it, he held my hand and dragged me into his room a-and..." Madison muttered as she swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.

"And? Has he done something to you?" Madison grieved even harder as Mila's soft voice made her miss her Mother.

"He shouted terrible things to me; the Young Master paid for me, accused me of smiling and wanting to hook up with the blond man... h-he s-said... He told Mila not to let me serve them because...he doesn't want to see me..."

Madison couldn't help but clutch the hem of Emily's Apron dress and whimper like a child. This was the first time she had experienced such excruciating pain. Madison wanted to see her Mother and return home. Dylan despised her, and she couldn't face him after all the trouble she caused. The Young Master hated her and didn't want to see her.

"I-I wished to return home..." Emily and Mila's expressions were filled with sympathy for Madison. Mila understood Dylan was intoxicated and was not on his senses, but spitting those hurtful words in front of Madison could ravage her heart.

Mila couldn't help but sympathize with the two. She wanted to clear up the confusion but didn't want to interfere with Dylan's awareness of how he truly felt for the lady.

"M-Madi, don't joke around…how about u-us?" Emily muttered. Her voice was about to break.

"Don't be selfish, Emily; look at her condition." The girl must be missing her family. The Young Master was preoccupied with his business. He can't be distracted by something as trivial as this."

Mila questioned Madison, "Do you want to go home?" If you say yes, I'll ask the Madam for your resignation and ask her to consider a wage increase during your service."

Madison nodded her head slowly. She doesn't have any space in this place anymore. She will just look for another job after this to pay her Mother's expenses.

After their conversation, Mila was true to her words. She handed her an envelope with her salary during her previous service in the Carter's Mansion as per the Madam's order. Mila also said that, at first, the Madam wasn't in favor of her resignation. Thus, upon hearing her reason from Mila's Mouth, Madam Laurene agreed to Madison's request and even promised not to tell Dylan about her whereabouts.

"Take care of yourself, okay? I'll miss having a good time with you!" Emily murmured while trying not to cry at Madison, who was holding her baggage. No one knows about her departure except Mila, the Madam, and the two.

"P-please take care, Madi…." Sophie voiced while smiling at her even though she's in her weak state from cold and fever.

"Alas, you must make your way, or you won't be able to get in touch with the bus." With her eyes sparkling with anticipation, Mila said. Mila couldn't help but be moved; Madison is an intelligent girl with whom Mila had formed a bond in the little time she had spent with them.

"Sophie…Emily…Aunt Mila...thank you!" Madison grinned as she cast a gaze at her. Madison embraced them for the last time and cried since she knew this was the last time she'd see them.

***

Dylan woke up feeling a heavy feeling in his heart. He couldn't help but smack himself upon remembering what he had said to Madison.

It was an impulse. He didn't want to see her smiling for another man, and he only wanted Madison to smile for him. Her smile was his salvation, her words were his remedy, and Madison was his home. Because after that night, after seeing Madison crying as she left. Dylan couldn't imagine Madison walking away from his life.

"Damn, I am certain… I'm falling for Madison." He pulled himself up and immediately got his office clothes. He had to drop off at the R & D Company to talk to Sussane about his performance results during his training.

"I am certain. Blast it! I love Madison…." He murmured without didn't realize that Dylan was smiling from ear to ear. However, his smile suddenly vanished, "I have to talk to Madison and confess what I feel…right, but first, I have to apologize to Madison!"

Dylan immediately pressed the intercom that was connected with the Maid's Quarter. "Mila, are you there? Would you ask Madison to bring me food?"

Minutes passed before there was a response that made Dylan's brow arc. Maybe the maids were busy. "My Apologies, Young Master. This is Emily. M-Madison was busy at the moment."

Dylan frowned. He cleared his throat before pressing the intercom and responded, "Is that so…Alright, thank you." His voice sounded disappointed, expecting that Madison would be the one who would answer and respond.

"Maybe she's still mad at me because of what happened yesterday. Perhaps, I should give her time to cool down. Damn, Madison, I wanted to see you…." Dylan murmured while combing his hair using his fingers in frustration.

Dylan took a bath, and Madison's beautiful face kept hunting him every time he closed his eyes. He finally realized what he truly felt for her. He loves Madison; he loves Madison so much that Dylan is afraid that he can't stand seeing her smiling or laughing with another man.

After taking a cold shower and wearing his office attire, he covered it with a Black Trench Coat Winter Jacket, revealing the glamor of his Angel wings Tassel Chain Brooch Collar Pins. Dylan puffed for air and tried to peek a glimpse outside his room, hoping that he would see Madison outside, but to his disappointment, there was no single trail of Madison outdoors.

"Young Master, your food." A maid knocked outside, announcing his breakfast had arrived.

"Just leave. I lost my appetite." Dylan reasoned out while fixing his hair and putting on his Wristwatch.

He doesn't feel good. He didn't need anything. He just wanted to see Madison as if she were his energy source. Without Madison around, he couldn't think of anything aside from wanting to barge inside the Maid's Quarter and hold Madison. Then, kneeled in front of her and begged her for her forgiveness.

"Have a safe trip, Young Master," The maids said in unison as Dylan went inside his Aston Martin and drove his way to the office. He gripped the steering wheel when Madison's crying face crossed his mind. The more he thinks of Madison, the more he wants to see her.

When Dylan arrived at the tall building that almost bussed the skyscraper, there was a bold letter as their Company's signature and, soon, his Company. Revealing his Versace D Leather Shoes, Dylan remained his composure despite the adoration that the employees showered him.

"Good Morning Mr. Carter. Ms. Sussane has been waiting for you." One of the receptionists remarked, trying her best to sound alluring, but her flirtatious skills didn't work on Dylan Carter.

"Where's my Mother?" he asked.

"The Madam CEO has a meeting with the foreign investors," The woman answered while biting her lips.

Dylan ignored the woman and stridden inside the massive Company. As he continued walking towards the elevator, the eyes of the ladies didn't leave him. The woman was staring at him as if he was an expensive living meal at a feast. Those stares were different from the way Madison stared at him. Madison's glances were innocent, warm, and mesmerizing.

Dylan palmed his mouth shyly when he found his lips morphing into a smile.

"I have to go home early. I wanted to see Madison before I went insane without her presence." Dylan murmured as he looked for Miss Sussane's Office.

Dylan knocked twice before the door finally opened, revealing Miss Sussane. She was busy reading some papers on her desk.

"Come inside, Mr. Carter." Dylan nodded. He walked inside the secretary's office and sat on the couch comfortably.

"First and foremost, how are you doing?" Susan asked, her eyes pierced Dylan,

waiting for his answer.

"I am doing well, and I am grateful for your assistance. It aids me greatly in identifying my weaknesses and strengths." Sussane nodded and clasped her hand together.

"So, let me be honest, I've read your works and improvements over the past few days. I am satisfied with your work. How you identify solutions and make suggestions for the pile of papers I have assigned to you. You are doing an excellent job, Mr. Carter."

Consequently, their discourse focuses on the upcoming business hours. Susanne's satisfaction and amazement at Dylan's responses and recommendations during their discussion were gratifying. She knew that this man could surpass his parents' business accomplishments.

Susanne remarked, "It is a pleasure to speak with you, Mr. Carter." Dylan complied with her request for a handshake and accepted it.

When Dylan was about to depart, he recalled that Susanne was a woman, so he asked her, "Say, Miss Sussane, if a man has done something terrible to a woman, do you have any advice on how to coax her?" Ms. Sussane seemed astounded until a soft laugh escaped from her lips.

"Oh, did you fight with your girlfriend?" Ms. Sussane teased, making Dylan scratch his nape in embarrassment.

"Give her flowers and express your heartfelt apologies. To minimize conflict and misunderstandings, a woman prefers a man who is honest about his feelings." Ms. Sussane said, flashing an amused grin.

"Thank you," Dylan uttered before turning his back.

"No worries, my dear," said Susanne, who could foresee the glimpse of the Madam CEO's husband.

On his way home, Dylan stopped at a florist and brought Madison flowers as an apology. He parked his car in front of the store, and the client inside was taken aback by his appearance.

"Good day Sir. What flower suits your liking? Is it for someone?" The florist asked.

Dylan cleared his throat, "Can you give me a bouquet when you apologize to someone?"

The florist smiled, "Alright, please wait for a minute." Dylan accepted the card the florist handed him. He sat at the table near the front desk and heaved a sigh of nervousness.

While waiting for his turn, Dylan saw how the florist expertly arranged a bunch of Blue Hyacinths, Pink Carnations, Pink Roses, White tulips, and three sunflowers in the middle.

"Mr. Carter, your order." Dylan immediately stood up, fixed his coat, and stepped towards the counter to pay. He could hear the gossip of the ladies inside that the woman who will receive a flower from him is indeed lucky.

Dylan got the flower and left the shop. While driving, he couldn't help but feel nervous about how Madison would react upon hearing his apology. Dylan wanted to explain his side and become honest about what he felt. Seeing Madison crying because of him makes him wanna hang himself. Her tears were too precious to fall.

When he parked his car in front of the Manor, he didn't mind the warm welcome of the maids and employees; he bolted inside while holding the bouquet for Madison. While walking in the vast hallway, Emily was stiffened when Dylan's eyes darted toward her. "You there, Have you seen Madison?"

Dylan asked. Emily glimpsed away and bowed while feeling the cold shivers inside her body. "M-My Apologies, I-I didn't…."

Dylan's forehead creased as his grip on the bouquet's handle tightened. Emily was in his path as he went by.

Dylan searched for Madison on every edge of the Mansion, but she was nowhere to find her. Only one person knew her whereabouts, and it was Mila. Dylan stormed inside Mila's room and found Mila was reading and stamping letters.

"Mila, have you seen Madison?" Dylan asked while catching his breath.

Mila's face was stern and a bad omen for Dylan. He doesn't know the heavy feeling that is forming inside his heart.

"Have a seat first," Mila said, without breaking her gaze on the paper she was holding.

"No, I wanted to see Madison. Come on, where is she?" Dylan started to panic. However, his heart sank, and his breathing became uneven after hearing Mila's response.

"She wasn't here. Madison left after the night you two had a confrontation. The Maid had resigned." The flowers that Dylan was holding were now already on the floor. Shaking, Dylan accepted the paper that Mila handed him.

"W-what?" Dylan couldn't hear his words. His heart was beating loudly as he read the paper; it was a resignation paper, and Madison's signature was on the bottom.

Dylan felt his world suddenly shattered, and the thought of Madison walking out from his life made him muted as if his being became hollow and the foundation of his happiness became shallow. He's too late... It's too late to apologize because Madison will never smile for him again.